Simply Cute

Playfully, he pulled that slender body close to his own with a light tug—trapping her securely in his arms. As he did so, he heard Chizuru's muffled complain, "…I'm not a kitten…." Because her face was pressed against his chest, it was impossible to see the expression etched on it. But by placing a palm on her cheek, Chizuru looked up startled, showing her flushed face on the process. Those moist eyes met his. The warmth against his palm suddenly increased its heat. Amused, Hijikata let out a pleased smile.

"…It seems that you caught a fever," he said.

"Whose fault is it." Chizuru uttered feeling a little defeated.

You tell me, came the nonchalant whisper from Hijikata as he, with his other hand, stroked Chizuru's back and reached for the collar of her kimono and caressed her exposed nape. He watched, fascinated, as her body shook lightly and her eyes shut tight. He knew that if he continued his teasing, an embarrassed Chizuru would probably start sulking; so instead, Hijikata gently placed a kiss upon her crimson cheek.

The sun was still out. There was no need to make haste—they would have a lot of time later tonight, he thought.

＊＊＊＊＊

Chizuru loved Hijikata's broad back. As revenge whenever he teased her, she would lightly bump her head against that wide back. Then, as she pressed her cheek against it, she would sense his temperature through the lined kimono and instinctively, a broad smile would spread out her face. Just the feel of his warmth, and she could never help but think about how much he was dear to her.

His voice cut through her thoughts, head looking over his shoulder to glance at her. "What's wrong?"

That voice, which ran a shiver through her body, always made her feel so comfortable—Chizuru smiled secretly. "It's nothing, Hijikata-san," she replied.

And then with just a small movement of her lips and with a blow of breath, she whispered. "I love you," making sure Hijikata did not hear.

＊＊＊＊＊

"This is what happens when you stay out in the sunlight, plucking off the grass."

Hijikata gave a deep sigh as he gradually begun to wipe Chizuru's reddened face with a cool cloth.

"I'm sorry, Hijikata-san," Chizuru mumbled apologetically, her voiced laced with a meek tone.

Eyebrows deeply furrowed in concentration, Hijikata did not reply as he chilled the cloth in his hands again; once done, this time he reached out to apply it against Chizuru's neck. Surprised with the sudden coldness, she narrowed her eyes. The best way to treat hot weather was to cool off the neck and underarms; it makes the body temperature decrease to the right level. Chizuru absentmindedly gazed up to look at Hijikata's face. Her vision was blurry and vague due to the humid weather, but she thought she saw Hijikata's expression slightly softened.

"You had me very worried."

Chizuru heard the sincerity in his voice. So she repeated, "I'm sorry, Hijikata-san…."

"Sorry won't do it the next time something like this happens," Hijikata murmured.

"Hai," Chizuru stammered. "…I'm sorry."

Make sure there would be no next time, Hijikata said the corners of his lips arching upwards. He lightly began to caress Chizuru's flushed face. As he did so, with blurred thoughts, Chizuru remembered the time when she used to be a little girl and how her loving father did the exact same thing whenever she had caught a cold.

Subconsciously, she softly spoke. "You're just like my father, Hijikata-san."

Although he knew that Chizuru was not thinking very clearly at the moment, her words did nothing to please Hijikata. Evidently showing a grim face, he said, "Who are you calling father." By saying so, he let his fingers lightly pinch Chizuru's cheek.